The gate for the sheep

Read John 10:1-10

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The next two “I am” sayings are in the same section and are connected through the theme of sheep and shepherd. In the Old Testament God is the shepherd of Israel (Ps.23:1; Ps. 80:1; Is. 40:10-11). Both because of sheep who have gone astray (Is.53:6) and also the unfaithfulness of his appointed shepherds (Jer.23:1-2; Ezek.34:1-10), God promised to send a true shepherd for his flock (Jer.23:3-6; Ezek.34:23-24).

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Here Jesus draws from the shepherd imagery of his day to emphasise two marks of a true shepherd. At night sheep were kept in a pen for protection; the shepherd would be allowed to enter, robbers would not (1-3). Also, the shepherd was known by his relationship with the sheep in which he called them and led them and they in turn knew him and followed him (3-5).

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Jesus is not only like the shepherd who leads his sheep in through the gate; he stated emphatically (“truly, truly”) that he is the very gate itself (7,9). In contrast to the unfaithful shepherds (1,8), Jesus alone is the entrance to God’s flock – “I am the gate; whoever enters by me will be saved” (9; Ps.118:20). There is no other way in except via Jesus the great shepherd (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12; Heb.13:20-21).